1080/50p in FCPX?

David Pogue's statement "When you create a new project, you can specify any frame rate or size you want, right in the [FCPX] import dialog box" was declared "95% wrong" by Richard Harrington in his blog.

I won't go to FCPX-land to be restricted as in Hell, but a friend is asking if FCPX can at least handle 1080/50p. Can it?

Dennis Couzin
Berlin, Germany

Short answer . . . YES!
Chalk up another + for FCPX

New Project
Video Properties
Custom
1080p50
1080p59.94
1080p60

Interesting that it has both p59.94 and p60

BTW interesting looking at the 2K and 4K settings. For slightly different frame sizes for each.

I think the problem comes when you try to import from some camera that shoot the 50p and 60p formats. I've been seeing reports that FCPX is not recognizing it. I think that's the same in FCP7.

All the best,

Tom

Given the very limited settings in FCPX it looks like support is intended. It may very well not be working yet.
I'm wondering if the camera makes a difference as Panasonic AF100 and Sony FS100 support 1080p50 and p60. There's also a more consumerish camera or two that support that. I believe the codec most are using is something like 28mbps instead of the more common 24mbps.

Craig & Tom: thanks. The consumerish Panasonic camera makes quasi-AVCHD 1080p50 at 28mbps. FCP7 can't import this directly. If FCPX can it's a plus. However there are softwares for converting it to ProRes for import. Standard ProRes 4:2:2 seems to me the appropriate level. If FCPX requires use of ProRes (HQ) 4:2:2 for 1080p50 it's a minor minus.

Dennis Couzin
Berlin, Germany

In theory FCPX can convert to ProRes on import in the background while you use the AVCHD clips immediately. Of course just because the interface shows it can handle 50p doesn't mean it's working yet.

FCPX doesn't handle XDCAM EX without having rewrap externally even though Apple's docs say it's supported so claims of support for certain formats are to be looked at with caution.

It looks like it should support 50p but Tom notes there's already been reports that the 1080 high frame rate camera files may not be importing.

Tom have you noted which cameras aren't' importing at the moment?

Craig, the AVCHD specification did not include 1080p50 at the time the consumer Panasonic started making such. That's why I called it quasi-AVCHD and why I thought FCP7 didn't import those AVCHD's from the camera. Now that Panasonic's "partner" in AVCHD, Sony, has also made a 1080p50 consumer camera, the specification might have changed.

Dennis Couzin
Berlin, Germany

FCPX lists 1080p50 as an option in its settings given the Panasonic AF101 and Sony FS100 both support it. It may not be functional but I have a hunch it will be at some point.

I haven't yet seen any posts at the various places I visit about whether it does/doesn't work in FCPX or maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

It seems Tom knows of specific incidences.